It is rare to find someone applying for ESTA just for fun. On the contrary, most people go for the application when planning to visit the United States. Under such circumstances, it can be hard to keep calm. You find yourself checking if there is a message or email regarding the matter over and over again. However, something that can give you some peace of mind is knowing when to check. Fortunately, this article has the answer to the million-dollar question. So, how long does ESTA take? Keep reading to find out.
The Processing Time for an ESTA Application
One must admit that the American immigration authorities are quite swift when it comes to processing ESTA applications. Your job is to fill in all the required details before submitting the application online. Don’t forget to pay all the necessary fees and then leave the rest to the authority. The personnel takes up to 72 hours to process your application. What if you apply for ESTA on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday? Interestingly, that’s a non-issue, in this case, meaning that it will still be processed within three days regardless of such a scenario.
In case you are wondering why the process takes such a short time, it is all thanks to the adoption of technology. The process is entirely digital, and that has simplified it a great deal. They will send the confirmation to the email address that you provided during the application. Since it is electronic, you don’t need a hard copy to show that you have it. As soon as your passport is scanned, the staff members will know that.
As much as the processing time is a maximum of 72 hours, many are times when you will receive the confirmation after a short period. Some get it after a few hours, and it all depends on the website you use to apply for it.
Can the Processing Time Exceed 72 Hours?
Yes, the maximum processing time is 72 hours, but you have to be prepared for anything. So, don’t wait until the last minute of your travel to apply for the ESTA. If 72 hours lapse before receiving the confirmation period, a few reasons could have led to that.
For instance, you may have already received the confirmation email, but it is in your spam folder. It often happens when you receive an email from an email address for the first time. It had also happened before when the American authority in charge sent those confirmation emails. So, don’t assume that such a scenario is impossible. Therefore, before you assume the worst, check that folder.
Sometimes, you may not have submitted the application successfully. How do you confirm that? Check whether the application payment was deducted from your bank balance. If the answer is a no, your submission was unsuccessful, and you need to redo the task.
Alternatively, you may have shared the wrong email address. If that’s not the case, simply reapply again and make sure that you share all the right details.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long it will take to get the confirmation, it will be less anxious to wait for it. You also know the probable reasons for an unreceived confirmation and how to respond when it happens.